A new independent evaluation by Staffordshire University has highlighted the significant social and health impact of the Keep Warm, Keep Well (KWKW) programme — a long-running local partnership tackling fuel poverty across Staffordshire.
The report, commissioned by Staffordshire Community Energy (SCE) and funded by the Energy Redress Fund, reviews the impact of SCE’s partnership with Beat the Cold and University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM). The Keep Warm, Keep Well programme provides energy advice, advocacy and financial support to households struggling with energy costs, and is part-funded through community-owned solar energy generated on the UHNM estate — with surplus income ringfenced by SCE to tackle fuel poverty locally.
Helping thousands across Staffordshire
Since its launch, the Keep Warm, Keep Well programme has supported thousands of people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The latest evaluation — based on data from over 400 households, including detailed surveys and interviews — confirms the programme’s vital role in improving health, wellbeing and financial stability for vulnerable residents.
The study found that:
- 86% of participants said the support helped them stay warm during winter.
- 64% felt it had reduced their energy costs.
- 94% said the advice they received was helpful.
- 62% reported improved wellbeing and life satisfaction.
- 87% would recommend Beat the Cold to friends or family.
Financial interventions such as energy vouchers, bill credits, and debt management were described as “life-saving” by participants, with one noting, “Beat the Cold probably saved my life twice over the past year.”
Tackling fuel poverty through partnership
The report recognises the unique partnership between community energy, health services, and local charity sectors. Vulnerable patients identified by UHNM and other healthcare partners are referred to Beat the Cold for targeted energy support — from insulation advice and fuel vouchers to advocacy with energy suppliers.
SCE’s Founder, Mike Kinghan said:
“This evaluation reinforces what we’ve always believed — that locally generated renewable energy can do more than reduce carbon emissions; it can directly improve lives. The partnership between SCE, Beat the Cold and UHNM shows how community energy can support public health and social equity hand in hand.”
Restoring dignity and wellbeing
The evaluation, led by Dr Konstantinos Spyropoulos and colleagues at Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health and Development, found that Keep Warm, Keep Well offers both practical and emotional support. Participants particularly valued the service’s speed, accessibility and compassion, describing being treated “with dignity and without judgement” — an approach that helped restore confidence, improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of shame or isolation.
Looking ahead
The report recommends improving public awareness of available support, enhancing referral pathways, and ensuring consistent communication about reapplying for financial aid. It also calls for continued investment in community-based energy initiatives to reach more households and strengthen data collection to measure long-term health outcomes.
A model for reinvestment in community wellbeing
The Keep Warm, Keep Well programme demonstrates how community-owned solar energy can deliver measurable social value. SCE’s governance model ensures that surplus income from solar PV on NHS buildings is transparently reinvested in projects that directly combat fuel poverty and improve health outcomes locally.
This research provides strong evidence that the partnership model delivers — not only warmer homes, but healthier, more resilient communities.
Read the full report: Download the Keep Warm, Keep Well Evaluation Report (PDF)
